2012- Burns Lake, a rural community located in the heart of BC’s northern interior, has a population of 2,200 residents and serves as a supply centre for over 12,000 people throughout the surrounding Lakes District region. In and around Burns Lake, there are six First Nations, each of which with their own distinct, rich histories and traditions. Burns Lake is widely sought out for its year-round outdoor recreation opportunities that support healthy living with activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, walking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and biathlon training.
In 2009, the Lakes Economic Development Association initiated a project with funding support from Northern Development on behalf of the Government of Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund. This project capitalized on all of these strengths to provide the community of Burns Lake a new interpretive trail network that enhances local recreational opportunities while also providing environmental and cultural interpretation of the history of the area.
The society constructed a low-impact, non-motorized, naturally respectful trail system on the south side of Burns Lake that consists of 8,000 metres of easy walking trails with interpretive signage throughout that offers educational opportunities and insight into the traditional and cultural activities of local First Nations history. This trail system provides opportunities to demonstrate the cultural and historical connections of early pioneers and ancient First Nations’ ways of life while promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging community recreation.
